Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2001 13:44:02 +0100 (BST) From: goldenknight Subject: Night of No Tomorrow - 11 (gay/boybands) Disclaimer: Hello again! I'm back with the eleventh part of NNT. First of all, as mentioned before, this story is totally fictional and has no purpose whatsoever to imply that any member of the BSB is gay. Secondly, also as mentioned before, the setting of this story is 100% based on TSR, Inc. Novels, the Forgotten Realms. The story is written purely out of fun and leisure and I have no intention of publishing it anywhere or whatever. Hmm... what else? Oh yeah, this story also contain homosexual elements, so if you got a problem with it, hmm... too bad. Who asked you to come here anyway? However, if you are looking for some hot monkey sex scenes, sorry dudes, you'll be disappointed. I'm just not good in writing about that stuff :P Let just keeps the detailed sex stuff behind closed doors. But if you like stories that goes nice and slow and have more to offer than just sex, oh well, you might like this one (I hope). Well! Now that is gone out of da way, lets get on with the story. Hope you enjoy it. If ya got comments, objections, suggestions, tips, death threats, boos, tomatoes or cabbages to throw or whatever, just write to me at goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who e-mailed me of your comments and such. It's nice to know that you've enjoyed it. I live to serve (Hah!). All in all, thanks guys. I intend to make this story as long as I can. But ideas do tend to run out quickly. I can always think up of new ideas (if I can get my lazy mind going long enough. It really needs a kick or two at time but it has always serve me well... hmm... well, most of the time). But if you have any inputs, ideas or suggestions, feel free to drop me a note anytime you want, be it through e-mails, letters, pigeons, message in a bottle, Morse codes, talking drums, whatever. Author's Note: One last thing. We want to apologize to all our readers for being quiet for a long time. After all the hospital thing and all, we decided to go off for a vacation. We just got back from Orlando and gosh! We had a great time there!! Andy got himself a guy there and boy, did they do it at night :P Another thing is, in case you didn't notice; I have changed my email address. So if you guys wanna drop us a note, sent it to goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk Right! Enough mindless chatters and on with the show! Drew and Andy ******************************* In the Stonelands, north of Cormyr... When Howie woke up, the first thing he found out was that he was chained against a wall. The room around him is dark, damp and silent, except with the occasional sound of water dripping onto the cold, hard floor. He has no idea how long he has been unconscious. The last thing he remembered was the sly looking priestess of Talos, hurling a bolt of pure energy towards him. After that, he knew the true meaning of pain. Unconsciously he touches the part of his torso when the energy hits him. Naturally, he winced and silently cursed at the stupidity of invoking back the pain. He looked at himself. He is still dressed in his armor, but his weapons are gone. Obviously. He pulled against the chain to test its strength. The chain, although rusty, is still strong - too strong for him to break free. He looks around the dark room, trying to find some sort of a clue as to his whereabouts. Obviously he was taken captive but where is he now? Where is Tess and the rest of the Purple Dragons? Did they survive the ambush? He shifted his body in the dark and immediately regretted it when the pain returned. He let out a soft groan and slumped back onto the wall. "Howard?" a man's voice appeared near him. "You awake?" "Who's that?" Howie answered. "Derek, milord. One of the Purple Dragons." Howie closed his eyes as he strained to remember the name of all the Purple Dragon's soldiers who have accompanied him. Eventually he remembered Derek, a young footman about the age of 20 who has recently joined the army. "Derek, what happened?" "Zhentarim warriors ambushed us, led by a powerful priestess of Talos, a Zhentarim mage and a priest of Bane. The soldiers overwhelmed us while the spell casters dealt with you and the Lady Tessaril." "Tess! Where is she?" asked Howie. And at that moment, they heard a woman shrieked agonizingly in the distance. "The priestess of Talos took her away," replied another voice, much more mature and elderly now. It must be one of the veteran soldiers who accompanied him. "Apparently the priestess of Talos was one of Lady Tessaril's foe in the past." "How long has she been gone?" asked Howie. He closed his eyes again when he heard another shriek. "Nearly a day." Derek replied. "Where are we?" asked Howie. "And how many of the Purple Dragon survived?" "Only myself and Zen here," Derek replied. "And the Lady Tessaril and yourself." "The rest?" "Dead. Fought to the death." Zen replied bitterly. "I would do so too had I not been knocked unconscious before I got the chance. There is nothing worst than being the captive of the Zhents." "The priest of Bane decided to sacrifice you to Bane, once we get to Zhentil Keep. I overheard the High Priest of Bane himself as well as the fell archmage, Manshoon, is going to drop a visit to this place tomorrow." Said Derek. "Where are we?" asked Howie again. "In a hidden Zhentarim outpost, somewhere in the Stonelands, north of Cormyr." Derek replied. "Don't bother entertaining the idea of escape, lad. Even if we managed to get past all those 30 or so Zhentarim soldiers, we will never last a day in the Stonelands." Said Zen. "It is miles and miles of desolated lawless wasteland filled with bandits and outlaws and deadly creatures, not to mentions other Zhentarim patrols who has been very active of late in their quest to weaken the crown of Cormyr." "Then what do you suggest us to do?" asked Howie. "Just lay down and let them kills us?" "Nay. Fight when we get the first chance, and die fighting. With Helm's blessing, we may even win our freedom." Zen replied. "I'm afraid I am not ready to die just yet, Zen." Said Howie. "We'll find a way to get through this." "Aye, milord." Derek agreed. "You'll lead us to safety. I've seen you fought, milord. You are a good warrior. I'm sure you can think of something." "Where is my sword?" asked Howie. "In the guard post." Derek replied. Howie just nodded as he fell silent, straining his mind to think a way to escape. ******************************** In the High Forest, in the North... The fireball exploded with a roar and fire leaped towards the sky for a brief moment, incinerating everything that is unfortunate enough to be within the area. The evil mage cackled evilly in triumph as he saw a figure hurled into the air, blazing. The fire dissipated, leaving a charred ground, still hissing from the heat of the magical fire. The force of the explosion hurled the adventurers some distance away as they desperately jumped aside to avoid the onslaught. Kevin grunted as he slammed against a rocky side of the clearing. He scrambled up hastily; knowing that to stay at one place in the open means a quick death. His leather armor smoldered slightly due to the explosion. His bow lay a couple of feet away where he dropped it. He took cover behind a huge boulder as he heard the mage grimly chants another spell. The boulder before him shuddered and cracked as a bolt of electricity struck. He gained his bearing and drew his long sword in one hand and a dagger in another. He peered warily towards the battle that is raging before him. Lamelle and Ken lay some distance before him; the force of the explosion rendered them unconscious. Somehow, Myra has managed to drag them behind another boulder and is now tending to their wounds. A little distance away from them, the mage stood at the top of the hill where he appeared - a few feet above from where Alvin angrily climbed - his hands twisting as he chanted another spell. A lightning bolt lightened the area for a brief moment, silvery-white and writhing as it sliced the air before forking into two and struck the charging Keres and Delg. Alvin hurled a dagger towards the mage. The dagger struck an invisible barrier and was turned aside. The mage turned towards the frustrated thief and chanted another spell. At the same time, Kevin leaped from his hiding place and sprinted towards the mage, his sword flashing in the afternoon sunlight. Five pulsing magic missiles leaped from the mage's hand and struck the thief mercilessly. But with his attention fully occupied in dealing with the thief, Kevin managed to come up against the mage before the mage could even notice. Sword flashes again, this time seeking for flesh. The mage's eyes widened as he finally realized the danger and desperately turned his body aside. He cried out in pain as the blade bit his shoulder. Face grim with determination now, Kevin raised his sword again and prepared another strike. By that time Keres and Delg were at his side, their face equally grim and their blade and axe ready. The mage whispered a word harshly and one of the numerous rings on his fingers flashes before he disappeared from the top of the hill, only to reappeared a distance away, half hidden by the trees. "Damn ye!" Delg spat out and charged again this time towards the trees. His charge was abruptly halted as five magic missiles burst out and struck. Delg jerked at the onslaught and roared in pain and anger. But he came on, axe held grimly before him as he mustered ever bit of the dwarven stubbornness and magical resistance. "I'll get ye!" The mage cast another spell and a globe of invulnerability appeared around him. At the same moment, Kevin heard Myra chants her own druidic spell. Lightning flashes from the sky above them and descended towards the mage. The mage just laughed as the lightning was turned aside by the globe of invulnerability. Then he produced a wand from his belt and breathed the activating word. The wand glowed with blue-white magical light and lighting bolt spat out and struck the charging dwarf again. Delg flew 5 feet backward and lay prone on the ground, unconscious. The mage smiled mockingly at Keres and Kevin and intoned another spell. Keres charged and Kevin hurled his dagger. Again the dagger struck an invisible barrier. The mage hurled several small globes of fire towards the charging paladin. The globes of fire exploded in small bright flashes of magical fire. Keres gritted his teeth on the onslaught and continues his charge. The mage snarled another spell and hurled another lightning bolt towards Keres. The paladin jumped aside, barely missed the onslaught, and continues to run towards the mage. The mage hissed in anger and uttered the same magical word he has used before to use the teleportation ring on his finger to transport him away. He vanished in a flash of light and reappeared again somewhere. Keres sword sliced through empty air. "Behind you!" Kevin heard Myra cried out and whirled around. He came face to face with the mage, who is casting another spell quietly. The mage pointed to him and Kevin felt a wave of magical energy swirled around him and the air sparkled slightly. The Spell of Feeblemind took effect and Kevin felt the enchantment grasped him and trapped his being into one of the deep recesses of his mind. With his mind trapped, he just stood there, helpless and open to any attack. Dimly, he saw the mage smiled cruelly as he drew a glowing dagger. The smile was cut short when Keres appeared beside him, his enchanted sword, Shadowcleaver, which is also his family heirloom, held readily before him, blazing with holy light. "Die, wizard!!" the paladin snarled and swiped Shadowcleaver before him. The mage snarled in anger and hissed the word again and vanished, only to reappear in the distance. "Coward! Come here and face me, wizard!" Keres snarled and charged again. The wizard merely smirked. "I think I am more comfortable here, paladin." With that, the mage intoned the spell and conjured an Icelance. The ice lance sliced through the air towards the charging paladin. Keres dodged the lance and continue his charge. He roared in pain as a swarm of radiant daggers of magic missiles struck him mercilessly. When he reaches the mage, the mage was already casting another spell. Shadowcleaver swiped before him, but the enchanted blade missed the mage by a pace or two as the mage cast a spell of flight and flew away. The mage laughed cruelly as he sailed away from the area and then turned. The mage looked at Keres scornfully. "Fools! Do you think you can defeat me?!" he scoffed from above. "Here! Feel the full taste of my power!" With that, the mage intones another spell, his hands twisting and gliding like snakes. Tendrils of dark fog appeared from his claw-like fingers, indicating the wielding of necromantic magic. His spell casting faltered when he saw Garth, sorely burned and his clothes and face smudged with soot and dirt, emerges from the shadow of the woods. The fat cleric, face grim with anger, looked up at the mage and cast a spell of his own. The silver medallion of Tymora flashes as he calls upon the power of his goddess. "Dispel!" A magical wind appeared and swirled around them as the cleric dispels all magic and enchantments within the area. The mage's eyes widened and his steady chanting turns into a horrified shriek as his spell of flight and his invisible shield dissipated, right before he crashes to the ground. The mage stood up weakly; wounded, afraid now and very, very angry. Keres, Garth and Kevin who has been freed from the enchantment placed on him when the cleric dispel all the magic in the area, lunged towards him, but the mage snapped a spell and a swarm magic missiles struck them. He turned around immediately when he heard a soft rustling near him. Myra came upon him with her oak staff in her hands, ready to strike. The mage snarled out the spell of Aganazzar's Scorcher. Tendrils of flames appeared down his arms and fingers as he stretched his hands towards the oncoming druid. A jet of flame burst out, racing mercilessly towards the druid. Myra halted in her advances and quickly raised her hands to her face and then dropped them the length of her body. "Silvanus, mighty Oakfather, protect me!" she managed to whispers right before being engulfed by the flame. The mages eyes widened in fear when he saw the druid still standing after the fire dissipated. Silvanus has heard her plea of protection and surrounded Myra with a cool barrier, holding the dark forces of magic at bay. The druid raised her hands and intoned her own spell, spreading her hands over the grass before her. "Oakfather, look upon your children. Give them growth!" The mage snarled out in surprise as the grass around him grew and begin to entangle him. Then he stood up straight and began to intone another spell. Judging from the huge amount of concentration he is pouring in the spell casting, Kevin knew it is a very dangerous spell - one that could certainly slay them all. Garth, Myra and Keres approach the mage angrily, mace, staff and Shadowcleaver held readily in their hands. But another figure emerged near the mage. "Oh no you don't!" Alvin appeared from the side, bruised and battered, and hurled two daggers towards the mage. The mage cried out in anger and pain as the daggers struck his torso. He turned around toward the thief but faltered as Keres rose before him, eyes flashing angrily. Shadowcleaver slashed even as the mage stumbles back desperately and drew his dagger. The mage screamed as the blade struck again. Badly wounded now, the mage backed away. To his side, he saw Garth casting the spell of paralization. Hastily, the mage uttered a quick spell and hurled a windblast towards the cleric, causing him to be thrown a couple of feet back. Turning around, he saw Keres, Kevin and Alvin spreading out before him, watching him warily. The paladin held Shadowcleaver readily before him. The sword blazed brightly with holy light. Kevin held his own sword before him, watching the mage grimly and ready to jump aside from whatever magic the mage might hurl towards him. Alvin crouched readily near his right, with a dagger held readily to throw in each hand. In the distance, he saw the druid, Myra watching him like a hawk. Without his globe of invulnerability he knew he wouldn't prevail to anymore lightning the female druid might call upon him. At that instant, the mage knew that the battle is lost... for now. "Beware my return," he snarled. With that, he hissed another commanding word to trigger another of his magical rings. There was a brief silvery white flash and then the mage vanished. ***************************** In the caverns beneath the Star Mountains... He is a mage of no small power. He has been serving as one of the archmages of the Purple who lead the Cult of the Dragons for more than seven years now and down through that time many has tasted his wrath and fell by his awesome power. His own standing in the ranks of the Purple is highly regarded by the others due to his considerable power. And to think that he was beaten today by a band of adventurers! He is greatly respected and feared amongst the Purple, of that he never doubt. Many who opposed and some who even tried to pull him down never survived for his wrath is cruel and terrible. But he was not loved. Of that he was as sure as the water is wet. The others - who for most part hated and feared magic that they could not control in their hands, magic not trapped in items they could not wield and understand, or that which did not come from a god who laid down strict rules for its use - would not be slow to replace him if other, more controllable mages were at hand. Of course, they would discover that they had merely exchanged one dangerous blade with another - but by then it would be too late for Halaster. Never before has he been defeated by anyone. Never before... until today! This would raise several eyebrows amongst the Purple indeed. It would set some other plots in motion amongst his comrades' minds - plots to bring him down. His own standing within the ranks of the Purple itself might be threatened. But these never bothered him at the very least. It is the very fact that he was defeated and badly wounded today which send him seething with anger. By all the bloodiest gods! Curse those adventurers! They are more formidable than they looks! He floated through the mists and shadows for a moment before the world around him materialized again and he appeared before the door of his abode that has once been the abode of the archdruid that has ruled this grove before him. He must have looked terrible indeed for the guards that stood before the door were careful to avoid his gaze. Maimed, bleeding and badly wounded, Halaster strode towards the door. He gave silent thanks to whatever gods who might be listening for making him wears his teleportation ring before he set off into the woods this morning. Had it not for the ring, Halaster the Mighty might have fallen today. He threw open the door with all the anger he could muster and strode in. In his mind, all forms of tortures and death appeared as he coldly plans what to do with each of the adventurers when he got his hands on them. Before him stood eight figures in robes, all eyeing him and backed away warily as they caught his murderous glare. He has eight apprentices serving under him, all of them are capable mages and each manages to become a master in one field of magic. Nearest to him is Orannon, one of his three most favored apprentices and also a very accomplished conjurer. Beside him is Diana, the Invoker. While Orannon excels in the Art of Conjuration and Summoning, Diana strove and mastered the Art of Invocation and Evocation - the field of magic that specializes in the shaping and manipulating magical energy and channeling it into the desired effect. Hence, having mastered in every type of battle magic, Halaster considered Diana to be the deadliest of all of his apprentices. Nimron, his third most favored apprentice is a necromancer, a mage specialized in death magic. Despite his thin and frail appearance, Nimron's necromantic magic is so vast that he could challenge Diana and Orannon in a duel and would probably emerge victorious. The rest of his apprentices stood behind these three, eyes wide in disbelief at seeing Halaster's wounds that all but shouts unmistakably of defeat. Galina, a slender enchantress stood at one side of the room, carefully avoiding Halaster's gaze. Melthis, a tall and grim looking transmuter, simply stared at his master expressionlessly. Lynxal, the illusionist, and Maria the diviner stood side by side, looking at Halaster in awe. And finally, standing at one corner of the room is Hasufel, the abjurer - his youngest apprentice, specializing in protective magic. "Master, what has transpired?" asked Orannon breathlessly. Halaster simply snarled and raised his hands to hurl magic to his eldest apprentice. Orannon stepped back hastily, eyes widened in fear. But Halaster stopped his action and lowered his hands. Instead he turns to Maria. "Fetch the cleric. Now!" he spat. The diviner slithered out of the room as fast as she could. "The Cult is beset by adventurers," Halaster growled at last. "They are heading this way. The escaped druid led the way." He turns Diana. "Diana." The Invoker bowed respectfully in response. "Yes, milord." "Take Shagrailar with you and destroy them." "Sha... Shagrailar milord?" Diana's eyes widened in mad excitement at the thought of riding the blue dragon Halaster kept in the caverns below them. "Aye." Halaster reply. "Show them the true meaning of fear." ************************** At the Friendly Arms Inn, near the Sword Coast... "Nick?" Nick opened his eyes to see Brian looking at him fondly. "Brian." He manages to mutter before settling down again to sleep. But his sleepiness vanishes as memories of last night crashes back into his mind. "Andy... ANDY!" Nick jumped up from his bed and began to look around frantically. "ANDY!!!" He cried out. "Shhhh...." Brian hugged him comfortingly. "It's all right Nick. Andy is all right." Gently, Brian pushes Nick back to bed. "I want to see him." Nick whimpered. "I need to see him. Where is he?" "He's in Sarelle's room. Sarelle healed him last night and is looking after him now." Brian replied. He hugged Nick harder. "He's gonna be okay." "Who's Sarelle?" "Sarelle is my friend. She's the one who has been taking care of me since we arrived here." Brian looked into his friend's eyes. "How are you doing Nick?" Nick gazed back into his old friends crystal blue eyes. Slowly, tears came unbidden and rolled down his cheek. "I missed you." He answered tersely. "I thought you are dead." "Oh Nick," Brian hugged him again. "I'm still here and I found you. We are together again, and we will find the rest and then we will find our way home together." At that, Nick began to sob quietly. "Nick, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" asked Brian worriedly. "Andy and I... we're in love." Nick answered brokenly. "I don't... I don't want..." "You don't want to leave him." Brian whispered. Realization began to dawn in his eyes. "Oh Nick..." They stayed in each other's embrace for some time. After a while, Brian broke the hug and gaze into Nick's eyes again. "Nick, I... I don't know what to say..." "No, Brian. Please. Let's not talk about this. I... I would rather not think about it right now." Deep inside, Brian knew ignoring the problem and hoping it would go away is not the right thing to do. But at the same time, he doesn't know how to deal with it too at the moment, so he just let it go. "So, how did you two meet?" Nick's gaze became dreamy and he smiled slightly as he relates to Brian all the things that have happened even since they got here. When he finished, Brian told him all about the Moonshaes and his acquired clerical abilities and all the events that have happened in the past. Nick listened wide-eyed when Brian relates to him about the sea-demon attack. "Wow. Seems that you got it worst than me. I just settled with a mage breaking into our house and the attacks in the woods." "Yeah. Luckily we survived." Said Brian. "So you're a mage now huh? Never thought you have the knack for it" Nick merely smiled. "And I guess all those hours you spent praying at the church finally pay off for you." Brian chuckled softly. "I suppose so... in a way." They remain silent for a while. "This Andy sounds like a really nice guy, considering that he has been taking care of you all this time. Tell me more about him." Nick brightened up immediately at that. "Well, he is charming, fun, easy-going, and can be very, very romantic and passionate when he wants to." He began. "He is also..." Brian chuckled softly. "What's so funny?" asked Nick. "You sounds like a typical love-struck girl," Brian laughed. Nick smiled and slapped Brian's shoulder gently. "I am not!" Nick replied before losing himself into a laughed. "He is a sweet guy, that's for sure. And... I really enjoyed being with him." At that moment, someone knocks on the door gently. "Come in. It's not lock." Said Brian. The door opened and Galadriel walks in. The elven maiden smiled at Nick and gave a small nod of greeting. Brian rose to his feet. "Nick, meet Galadriel. Galadriel, this is my best friend, Nick." "Well met at last, Nick. I have heard a lot of tales about you from Brian here." Said the elf as she shook Nick's hand. "Umm... hi. Nice to meet you too." Said Nick shyly. "I trust you are well now? You were very distraught last night. I'm sorry about your friend. Rest assure, he is in good hands now with Sarelle looking after him." "How is he? Can I see him now?" asked Nick. "He is sleeping now. And yes, you can see him now. Sarelle figured you would be awake by now and sent me here to tell this to you." Nick brightened up at that. "Of course. Thanks!" Galadriel led them to Sarelle's room. Inside, Nick saw a beautiful raven hair woman rising from her knees as she finished her prayers and smiled warmly at Brian and him. "Greetings and well met! You must be the Nick our friend Brian here has always talked about. I am Sarelle, servant of Chauntea, at your service." "Greetings. How... how is he?" said Nick as he knelt beside Andy's sleeping form. "He is doing well, I'm glad to say. It was a good thing you reach us when you did. The arrow was too close to his heart. A little more delay and he would have been too far gone." Said Sarelle. "Can I wake him up?" "Not yet. It is best to let him rest for now. His body is whole now, as you can see, and he sleeps. But his mind? We shall see. I can heal his body but it is up to him to heal his mind." Sarelle replied. "Brian told me you were attacked by the Zhentarim in the woods. Is it true?" asked Galadriel. "Yes. A mage broke into our home some times ago, intending to kill me, but Andy manages to drove him off with his magic and kill him instead. We packed our things and intended to head for Shadowdale. A band of Zhentarim soldiers and a mage ambushed us when we were resting in the Woods of Sharp Teeth last night. We fought back and that's when... that's when Andy got wounded..." "Shh... it's okay Nick," said Brian soothingly. "Everything is fine now." "Yes, Nick." Said Sarelle. "Brian here had had his share of Zhentarim in the past. Rest assured we will aid you and Brian. We're heading to Shadowdale too. I take it you had a dream about it?" Nick nodded. "So does Brian. And the fact that you dreamt of the others means that the rest of your friends are still alive and well too. Drop your worries. I'm sure we will find them soon, Chauntea willing." Said Sarelle. "Now, rest Nick. You have been though much, and we must continue our travels tomorrow evening. I will get some food for you downstairs and arrange for your things to be sent up from your horses. Remember, stay alert and wary. Galadriel, keep a sharp lookout. Trust no one tonight." "Sarelle, what's wrong? You don't sounds like your usual self," asked Brian. Sarelle looked at him worriedly. "Something turns up when I cast an augury a moment ago. Something bad is going to happen tonight. Be wary, friends." *************************** Andy's dream... The city was once beautiful and proud. Now, it stands in ruins, as any place should be when battle struck. The palaces and temples that had once stood tall and proud now lay in piles of rubbles and smokes and fire. The rest of the buildings fare in no better shape. The bridge lay in ruins. Scattered all over the place, bodies of the slain lay in their own pool of blood. Men, women and children, caught in the battles and cut down like grass as the blindly tried to flee. Such is the horror of battles... death, fire and carnage. But amidst all of this chaos, a lone figure walked though the ruins. Despite the smokes and dust the still tries to settle, the white robe worn by the figure remains dirtless as if untouched. The wind of war blew gently and his red half-cloak swayed gently. The emblem of the golden dragon with its wings outstretched on his robe over his chest seems to glow amidst the half obscured evening sun. His golden hair swayed gently in the gentle breeze and his blue eyes stared expressionlessly at the carnage before him. The staff in his hand glowed softly with soft golden light. Andy looked at the ruined city tiredly. He recognizes this city. It was one of the cities he destroyed once when the Bane's Curse took hold of his soul. He could still remember the days when he unleashed the power of Tempus and destroyed the city in one stroke - the very act that attracts the attentions and horrified many beings even the gods themselves. He also remembers finally confronting Tempus, the God of War himself... the god he swore to serve. While Tempus cannot remove Bane's Curse from his soul, the War God managed to instill enough strength within him to resist the curse. He did. For 3 years now, while the rest of his brethrens destroyed themselves to prevent them from falling back into the curse, Andy managed to hold on to his soul and hold the dark forces of the curse at bay. But as years past on, his struggles has weakened. He could feel the cold touch of the curse upon his soul, slowly permeating through his struggles. Andy looked up again at the ruins, trying to make out his destiny. Perhaps, it is time for the last Battlelord of Tempus to rejoin his brethren in death? A stab of sorrow began to fill his heart. Years and months ago, he would gladly escape the grip of the curse and meet his death. But then, an angel came into his life and tore his world into two. An angel in the form of Nick. Andy threw his head back and screamed as he has never screamed before. He cannot die now! He couldn't leave Nick behind. Alone. A stranger in his world, with the Zhentarim on his tail. He couldn't leave Nick. He couldn't... because he loves him... He remembers the time when he found Nick, alone and helpless in the woods, running desperately with a whole clan of goblins close on his tail. He remembers being captivated to his beauty. How could he resist from saving him? Before meeting Nick, he was a man doomed to die, for he knew he couldn't fight the curse for much longer. But Nick gave him a reason to stay alive. He gave him the strength to fight on. And finally, for the first time in his life, Andy knew the true meaning of love. His thought was interrupted when he felt a powerful presence near him. The presence seems familiar... and in an instant, Andy knew of the nature of the being that stood before him. "Forgive me, my Lord Tempus," he said tersely, "for I have failed you." "I am not the Battlelord, mortal, and even if I am, you have not failed him." Andy looked up at the being before him in surprise. The being that stood before him is such that he will never forget to his dying days. Before him stood a maiden of unsurpassed beauty. Her skin is radiant like the sun in the morning and her eyes glitters like the stars in the night sky. Her smiles reminds Andy of a blossoming rose and added further to her beauty a thousand fold or more. Her feature is carved delicately to show every bit of her beauty. Her red gown swayed slightly to show her delicate lithe figure and at the same time hide it all. Her hair blazed in golden red flame, bathing her already perfect feature in the light of glory. Sune Firehair, Goddess of Beauty, Love and Passion, stood before him, tall, proud and graceful. "Lady Sune, I bid you greetings." Andy murmured respectfully. "You do not kneel before me?" asked the goddess. Andy looked up at the goddess expressionlessly. "I kneel only to my god, Tempus, goddess. No other. I respect you as a goddess, but no more than that." Sune raised her eyebrow and smiled in secret amusement. She walked towards Andy and gently touches his cheek. Her touch fills Andy's soul with all the warmth of glory. At the same time, Andy could feel the goddess delving into his mind, laying bare even his deepest and darkest secrets and histories. After a moment, she smiled sadly. "Lord Tempus is right. You are a stubborn one. But there is strength in you. Strength when honed in the right way, can be used to challenge even a god." She said softly. "No wonder Tempus chose you to be his champion." Andy looked up at the goddess in bewilderment. "What... what do you mean goddess?" Sune merely looked at him. "A great war is approaching, Champion of Tempus. Every gods and goddesses in the pantheon can feel it. And it is during this war where you will face your greatest trial that will decides whether you will take the path of darkness or the light. Are you ready to face it?" Andy merely looked at her, absorbing everything silently. Sune leaned over and placed a small kiss on his forehead. "Remember my words, Champion of Tempus, and remember well. The power of darkness rises from death and carnage. The power of light rises from courage, justice and honor. Is there any place for love in this world?" "Never belittle the power of love, Champion of Tempus." The goddess straightened and backed away. "You path is going to be hard, bitter and bloody. But until love redeems you, your curse will never be broken." With that, the goddess vanished in a flash of golden-red light. At the same time, the world around him began to swirl and suddenly everything turns dark... *************************** At the Friendly Arms Inn... Andy startled in his sleep and sat up in his bed, briefly wondering where he is. At the same time, his mind ponders over the strange dream he just had. Beside him, someone stirred. "Andy?" Andy turns around to see Nick sitting up from lying beside him. "Nick?" Andy muttered incoherently. "Where are we? What happened?" "Andy, thank god you are all right!" They stayed in each other embrace for a moment before Andy pulled back and looked at his lover's eyes. "Nick, what happened?" Half sobbing, Nick relayed everything that has happened during the night and everything that has happened since. After some time, they hugged again. Andy murmured comforting words as he tried to soothe his lover's distress. "I was so scared," Nick sobbed. "Shhh... it all right Nick. I'm fine now." Andy whispered. "Where's Muragh?" "I'm over here," Andy looked at the skull sitting on one of the tables. "I'm still recovering from rough treatments I had to go through when Nick's friends found out about me." "What do you mean?" asked Andy as he looked at Nick. "What is he talking about?" "I found one of my friends, Andy. I found Brian." Said Nick. "Really? That's great!" said Andy. "Yeah. He has two other friends with him. A priestess of Chauntea and an elven warrior. They have been traveling for some times now." Said Nick. "The elven warrior nearly cracked Muragh into two when Muragh first talked to them. Don't blame them, blame Muragh! He should know it by now that it's not everyday one finds a talking skull in this world." At that time the door opened and Brian walked in. "Andy, meet Brian. Brian, this is Andy," said Nick. Brian smiled at Andy and shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you Andy." "Well met, Brian." "How are you feeling?" asked Brian. "Weak. But I can manage, I think." At the moment, Sarelle entered the room. "Ah, thank Chauntea! You're awake. I am Sarelle of Chauntea. How are you feeling?" "A bit weak, I'm afraid." Andy replied. "Can you walk?" asked the priestess. "Yes." "Do you think you can ride a horse?" asked the priestess again, though her voice became slightly grave. "Sarelle, what's wrong?" asked Brian. The priestess looked at Brian. "We must leave this place. Now." She said grimly. "What? Why?" asked Nick, standing up. "I sense great evil about. We must leave now. Hurry, Brian and Nick. Pack up your things. Galadriel is preparing the horses even as we speak." About twenty minutes later... The taproom was filled with the inn patron by the time Sarelle, Brian, Nick and Andy assembled with their backpack on their back. Andy still hovers weakly beside the bar while Nick held him worriedly. Brian stood near Andy, holding Muragh in his hands and lending his support to Andy whenever he can. Sarelle talked quietly to the innkeeper, Bentley, settling the bills for their stay here. They were all dressed for travel. Sarelle and Brian wore their light armor, with mace and war-hammer hung readily at their belt. Nick wore the enchanted mage robe he acquired from the wizard he defeated in the forest. After several hours of research, he discovered that the robe was enchanted to grant the wearer certain degree of protection from fire, cold, electricity and magic. His belt holds two wands and a silver dagger. He held Andy's staff in his hand. Andy wore his usual enchanted battle mage robe. Brian looked around worriedly. He would expected to be slightly out of place considering that they were armed and armored. But most of the inn patron are similarly armed and armored so to his relief, no one notices them. Outside, a storm is gathering and the sun has long set. Rumble of thunders arise occasionally. Minutes later, Galadriel appeared, garbed completely in her elven crafted full plate armor. Her silver sword hung readily at her back and her silver bow held readily in her hand. "The horses are ready," said the elf quietly. "Good. One moment," said Sarelle as she counted the gold pieces. Suddenly, the door of the inn crashed open and a sinister looking man walked in. Even from the distance, Brian could feel the pulse of evil radiating from the man. Before him, Sarelle tensed and backed away. The man looked at Brian and Nick and smiled. "Two of you?" he said before laughing softly. "I expected of find only one. It doesn't matter. It merely makes my task easier and my rewards even better." With that the man began to float in the air. His body began to shift and change, turning into a hideous orb with a huge central eye in the middle. A mouth began to form below the central eye, revealing rows upon rows of needle-sharp teeth. From this maw came the sound of a thousand snakes hissing. Even as they watched, numerous snake-like tentacles appeared all over the orb. At the end of each tentacle, a wicked-looking eye appeared, gazing in every direction. Brian's eyes widened as he looked at the creatures and beside him, Nick gasped. "Gods, help us, a beholder!" Sarelle breathed out as Galadriel slid her sword out. For a moment, there was silence while the inn's occupants struggled to comprehend what had happened. Then the room erupted with a clatter of toppled chairs and tables and shuffling feet and cries as the inhabitants sought escape. Clerics and mages intoned the words of half a dozen spells and wardings as they backed away from the beast. Here and there, swords and axes flashed as warriors drew their weapons to defend themselves. The beholder tilted its head back and one of its tentacles turned towards an approaching warrior. A disintegrating beam lashes out from the eyestalk and the warrior gave a terrible tormented shriek before turning into dust. Then without warning, the beholder sprang forward towards another warrior and swallows him whole. The beholder tilted its head back again and spit out the warrior's sword, it's blade propelled upward in a twisting ribbon of flame. The sword flew into the upper rafters and struck there, imbedded to the hilt. The flames spread across the ceiling, engulfing the rafters in a white heat. The beholder smiled, a wide grin that stretched three-quarters of the way around its body. The smile lasted only a moment before a battery of offensive spells struck - bolts of lightning and flame arrows and radiant blue-white pulses of magic missiles. All about the room, warriors of every race rushed towards the beast, weapons flashing, as they yelled their war cries. In the midst of the din, Galadriel turns to Sarelle and the rest. "Quickly! Outside! Run!" They rushed out as quickly as they can. Outside, the alarm was sounded and more warriors and guards rushed towards the inn. The fire spread with an unnatural speed and soon half the inn was engulfed in flame. Through the dancing flame, Brian could see the beholder swallowing a mage whole... *****************************